Savory Cheese Cookies

Updated on December 22, 2011

How to make cheese cookies

Cheese straws, sometimes called “cheese wafers,” are very popular in the South. They’re often served at showers, afternoon teas, Bridge parties, wedding receptions, and at other gatherings. The traditional cheese straw is crisp, and I often make this type of cheese wafer. Today, however, I tried something a little different. I made a softer version of the old fashioned-cheese straws, and they turned out great! These cheese cookies are similar to miniature Red Lobster cheese biscuits, only they’re cheesier and spicier. Of course, you can make these as mild or as spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of cayenne.

For best results, use finely grated cheese for this cheese cookie recipe. Most people prefer using sharp cheddar, but I usually prefer a cheddar-Colby blend. Sometimes I even add a tablespoon or two of grated parmesan to the mix. You might also want to include other herbs and spices in the cheese cookies. Add or substitute ingredients to make the recipe your own! You might want to include chipotle powder, dried basil, chili powder, cumin, or dried oregano.

Directions: Combine all ingredients. The only way I’ve found to do this effectively is to use both hands. Actually, I have to use someone else’s hands because I have severe carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’ve never made cheese straws before, you might get frustrated by trying to create a cohesive dough from the listed ingredients – you’ll think it’s too dry. Don’t give up! As the butter and cheese soften due to being worked by your hands, the dough will form.

Pinch the dough together to form small clumps of balls, about one inch in diameter. You can’t usually “roll” the dough – you have to press it into a ball. Once you have a ball, flatten it to create a cookie. Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie or baking sheet, about two inches apart. Bake at 300 degrees for 13-15 minutes. Cheese cookies will be very soft, but they’ll firm up after being removed from the oven.

The cheese cookies make great party snacks, and they’re also good with breakfast. They go especially well with a good hot cup of coffee!